CA2525667A1 - An electrochromic mirror with two thin glass elements and a gelled electrochromic medium - Google Patents
An electrochromic mirror with two thin glass elements and a gelled electrochromic medium Download PDFInfo
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- CA2525667A1 CA2525667A1 CA002525667A CA2525667A CA2525667A1 CA 2525667 A1 CA2525667 A1 CA 2525667A1 CA 002525667 A CA002525667 A CA 002525667A CA 2525667 A CA2525667 A CA 2525667A CA 2525667 A1 CA2525667 A1 CA 2525667A1
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- Prior art keywords
- methacrylate
- electrochromic
- mirror
- electrochromic device
- methyl methacrylate
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 title claims abstract 6
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims abstract 27
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 claims abstract 20
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract 18
- 229920006037 cross link polymer Polymers 0.000 claims abstract 12
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 claims abstract 12
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims abstract 11
- VVQNEPGJFQJSBK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methyl methacrylate Chemical compound COC(=O)C(C)=C VVQNEPGJFQJSBK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 54
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims 41
- RBQRWNWVPQDTJJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N methacryloyloxyethyl isocyanate Chemical compound CC(=C)C(=O)OCCN=C=O RBQRWNWVPQDTJJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 30
- WOBHKFSMXKNTIM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydroxyethyl methacrylate Chemical compound CC(=C)C(=O)OCCO WOBHKFSMXKNTIM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 27
- 239000000178 monomer Substances 0.000 claims 24
- FUGYGGDSWSUORM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 4-hydroxystyrene Chemical compound OC1=CC=C(C=C)C=C1 FUGYGGDSWSUORM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 18
- BAPJBEWLBFYGME-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methyl acrylate Chemical compound COC(=O)C=C BAPJBEWLBFYGME-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 18
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 claims 12
- VOZRXNHHFUQHIL-UHFFFAOYSA-N glycidyl methacrylate Chemical compound CC(=C)C(=O)OCC1CO1 VOZRXNHHFUQHIL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 12
- IBDVWXAVKPRHCU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-(2-methylprop-2-enoyloxy)ethyl 3-oxobutanoate Chemical compound CC(=O)CC(=O)OCCOC(=O)C(C)=C IBDVWXAVKPRHCU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 9
- OMIGHNLMNHATMP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-hydroxyethyl prop-2-enoate Chemical compound OCCOC(=O)C=C OMIGHNLMNHATMP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 9
- DPNXHTDWGGVXID-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-isocyanatoethyl prop-2-enoate Chemical compound C=CC(=O)OCCN=C=O DPNXHTDWGGVXID-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 9
- YHSYGCXKWUUKIK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-prop-2-enoyloxyethyl 3-oxobutanoate Chemical compound CC(=O)CC(=O)OCCOC(=O)C=C YHSYGCXKWUUKIK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 9
- GNSFRPWPOGYVLO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 3-hydroxypropyl 2-methylprop-2-enoate Chemical compound CC(=C)C(=O)OCCCO GNSFRPWPOGYVLO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 9
- 125000003118 aryl group Chemical group 0.000 claims 9
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 claims 9
- 229920001577 copolymer Polymers 0.000 claims 9
- 125000000524 functional group Chemical group 0.000 claims 9
- 229960000834 vinyl ether Drugs 0.000 claims 9
- UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrogen Chemical compound [H][H] UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 6
- 229910052739 hydrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims 6
- 239000001257 hydrogen Substances 0.000 claims 6
- -1 poly(propylene carbonate) Polymers 0.000 claims 6
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 4
- UEIPWOFSKAZYJO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1-(2-ethenoxyethoxy)-2-[2-(2-ethenoxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethane Chemical compound C=COCCOCCOCCOCCOC=C UEIPWOFSKAZYJO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 3
- UTOONOCRMYRNMO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-[2-[2-(2-ethenoxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethanol Chemical compound OCCOCCOCCOCCOC=C UTOONOCRMYRNMO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 3
- JIGUQPWFLRLWPJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethyl acrylate Chemical compound CCOC(=O)C=C JIGUQPWFLRLWPJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 3
- CERQOIWHTDAKMF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methacrylic acid Chemical compound CC(=C)C(O)=O CERQOIWHTDAKMF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 3
- 125000001931 aliphatic group Chemical group 0.000 claims 3
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 claims 3
- CQEYYJKEWSMYFG-UHFFFAOYSA-N butyl acrylate Chemical compound CCCCOC(=O)C=C CQEYYJKEWSMYFG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 3
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 claims 3
- 230000009133 cooperative interaction Effects 0.000 claims 3
- 238000004132 cross linking Methods 0.000 claims 3
- PNJWIWWMYCMZRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N pent‐4‐en‐2‐one Natural products CC(=O)CC=C PNJWIWWMYCMZRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 3
- 238000006116 polymerization reaction Methods 0.000 claims 3
- 230000000379 polymerizing effect Effects 0.000 claims 3
- 229920000379 polypropylene carbonate Polymers 0.000 claims 3
- 229910052681 coesite Inorganic materials 0.000 claims 2
- 229910052906 cristobalite Inorganic materials 0.000 claims 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 239000000377 silicon dioxide Substances 0.000 claims 2
- 235000012239 silicon dioxide Nutrition 0.000 claims 2
- 229910052682 stishovite Inorganic materials 0.000 claims 2
- XOLBLPGZBRYERU-UHFFFAOYSA-N tin dioxide Chemical compound O=[Sn]=O XOLBLPGZBRYERU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 2
- 229910001887 tin oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 claims 2
- 229910052905 tridymite Inorganic materials 0.000 claims 2
- 238000005229 chemical vapour deposition Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 230000007935 neutral effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000003384 imaging method Methods 0.000 abstract 1
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 abstract 1
Landscapes
- Electrochromic Elements, Electrophoresis, Or Variable Reflection Or Absorption Elements (AREA)
Abstract
An improved electrochromic rearview mirror for motor vehicles, the mirror (110) incorporating thin front and rear spaced glass elements (112, 114) having a thickness ranging from about 0.5 to about 1.5. A layer of conductive material (118a-c) is placed onto the mirror's second surface (112b), and either another layer of transparent conductive material or a combined reflector/electrode (120) is placed onto the mirror's third surface (114a). A chamber (116), defined by the layers (112b, 114a) on the interior surfaces of the front and rear glass elements (112, 114) and a peripheral sealing member (122), contains a free-standing gel (124) comprising a solvent and a cross-linked polymer matrix. The chamber (116) further contains at least one electrochromic material in solution with the solvent and interspersed in the cross-linked polymer matrix. The gel (124) co-operatively interacts with the thin glass elements (112, 114) to form a thick, strong unitary member which is resistant to flexing, warping, bowing and/or shattering and further allows the minor (110) to exhibit reduced vibrational distortion and double imaging.
Claims (95)
1. An electrochromic variable reflectance mirror for motor vehicles, comprising:
front and rear spaced elements, each having front and rear surfaces and each having a thickness ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm;
a layer of transparent conductive material disposed on said rear surface of said front element;
a reflector disposed on one side of said rear element provided that, if said reflector is on said rear surface of said rear element, then said front surface of said rear element contains a layer of a transparent conductive material; and a perimeter sealing member bonding together said front and rear spaced elements in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber therebetween, where said chamber contains a free-standing gel comprising a solvent and a crosslinked polymer matrix, and where said chamber further contains at least one electrochromic material;
where said polymer matrix cooperatively interacts with said front and rear elements, and where said reflector is effective to reflect light through said chamber and said front element when said light reaches said reflector after passing through said front element and said chamber.
front and rear spaced elements, each having front and rear surfaces and each having a thickness ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm;
a layer of transparent conductive material disposed on said rear surface of said front element;
a reflector disposed on one side of said rear element provided that, if said reflector is on said rear surface of said rear element, then said front surface of said rear element contains a layer of a transparent conductive material; and a perimeter sealing member bonding together said front and rear spaced elements in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber therebetween, where said chamber contains a free-standing gel comprising a solvent and a crosslinked polymer matrix, and where said chamber further contains at least one electrochromic material;
where said polymer matrix cooperatively interacts with said front and rear elements, and where said reflector is effective to reflect light through said chamber and said front element when said light reaches said reflector after passing through said front element and said chamber.
2. The electrochromic mirror of claim 1, where said at least one electrochromic material is in solution with said solvent and, as part of said solution, interspersed in said crosslinked polymer matrix.
3. The electrochromic mirror of claim 1, where said front and rear spaced elements each have a thickness ranging from about 0.8 mm to about 1.2 mm.
4. The electrochromic mirror of claim 1, where said front and rear spaced elements each have a thickness of about 1.0 mm.
5. The electrochromic mirror of claim 1, where said polymer matrix results from crosslinking polymer chains and where said polymer chains are formed by polymerizing at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of methyl methacrylate; methyl acrylate; 2-isocyanatoethyl methacrylate; 2-isocyanatoethyl acrylate; 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate; 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate;
3-hydroxypropyl methacrylate; vinyl ether n-butyl methyl methacrylate;
tetraethylene glycol vinyl ether; glycidyl methacrylate; 4-vinylphenol; acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate and acetoacetoxyethyl acrylate.
3-hydroxypropyl methacrylate; vinyl ether n-butyl methyl methacrylate;
tetraethylene glycol vinyl ether; glycidyl methacrylate; 4-vinylphenol; acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate and acetoacetoxyethyl acrylate.
6. The electrochromic mirror according to claim 5, where said polymer chains are cross-linked by reaction with a compound having a functional group selected from the group consisting of aromatic and aliphatic hydroxyl; aromatic and aliphatic cyanato;
aromatic and aliphatic isocyanato; aliphatic and aromatic isothiocyanato, with a functionality of at least 2.
aromatic and aliphatic isocyanato; aliphatic and aromatic isothiocyanato, with a functionality of at least 2.
7. The electrochromic minor according to claim 5 where said polymer chains results from the polymerization of at least two distinct monomers.
8. The electrochromic mirror according to claim 7 where said at least two monomers are selected from the group consisting of: methyl methacrylate; methyl acrylate; 2-isocyanatoethyl methacrylate; 2-isocyanatoethyl acrylate; 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate; 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate;
3-hydroxypropyl methacrylate; vinyl ether n-butyl methyl methacrylate;
tetraethylene glycol divinyl ether; glycidyl methacrylate; 4-vinylphenol; acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate and acetoacetoxyethyl acrylate.
3-hydroxypropyl methacrylate; vinyl ether n-butyl methyl methacrylate;
tetraethylene glycol divinyl ether; glycidyl methacrylate; 4-vinylphenol; acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate and acetoacetoxyethyl acrylate.
9. The electrochromic mirror according to claim 8, where said at least two monomers are selected from the group consisting of: methyl methacrylate; 2-isocyanatoethyl methacrylate;
2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate; and glycidyl methacrylate.
2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate; and glycidyl methacrylate.
10. The electrochromic mirror according to claim 9 where said at least two monomers comprise 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate.
11. The electrochromic mirror according to claim 10 where the ratio of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate to methyl methacrylate is about 1:10.
12. The electrochromic mirror according to claim 10 where said polymer chains formed from at least 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate are crosslinked by a compound having more than one functional group that will react with an active hydrogen.
13. The electrochromic mirror according to claim 9 where said at least two monomers comprise isocyanatoethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate.
14. The electrochromic mirror according to claim 13 where the ratio of isocyanatoethyl methacrylate to methyl methacrylate ranges from about 1:3 to about 1:50.
15. The electrochromic mirror according to claim 14 where the ratio of isocyanatoethyl methacrylate to methyl methacrylate is about 1:20.
16. The electrochromic mirror according to claim 14 where said polymer chains formed from at least isocyanatoethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate are crosslinked by a compound having a functional group containing more than one active hydrogen.
17. The electrochromic mirror according to claim 5, where said polymer matrix is formed from at least two distinct polymer chains, each of said at least two distinct polymer chains comprise at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of methyl methacrylate and methyl acrylate polymerized with at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of 2-isocyanatoethyl methacrylate; 2-isocyanatoethyl acrylate; 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate; 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate;
3-hydroxypropyl methacrylate; glycidyl methacrylate; 4-vinylphenol;
acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate; vinyl ether n-butyl methyl methacrylate and acetoacetoxyethyl acrylate, where said first and second polymer chains may be the same or different.
3-hydroxypropyl methacrylate; glycidyl methacrylate; 4-vinylphenol;
acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate; vinyl ether n-butyl methyl methacrylate and acetoacetoxyethyl acrylate, where said first and second polymer chains may be the same or different.
18. The electrochromic mirror according to claim 17 where said first of said at least two polymer chains comprises a copolymer of isocyanatoethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate and where said second of said at least two polymer chains comprises a copolymer of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate.
19. The electrochromic mirror according to claim 18 where the ratio of isocyanatoethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate ranges from about 1:3 to about 1:50 and where the ratio of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate ranges from about 1:3 to about 1:50.
20. The electrochromic mirror according to claim 1, where said cooperative interaction between said free standing gel and said front and rear elements makes said mirror resistant to bending and breaking.
21. The electrochromic mirror according to claim 2, where said front and rear spaced elements each have a thickness ranging from about 0.8 mm to about 1.2 mm.
22. The electrochromic mirror according to claim 1, further comprising polymeric beads disposed within said chamber.
23. The electrochromic mirror according to claim 22, where said beads comprise a material that will dissolve within an electrochromic device at ambient or near-ambient temperatures within about 24 hours.
24. The electrochromic mirror according to claim 23, where said beads comprise a copolymer selected from the group consisting of: MMA/methacrylic acid, MMA/ethylacrylate, MMA/n-butylacrylate, and poly(propylene carbonate).
25. The electrochromic mirror according to claim 23, where said beads do not impart any refractive imperfections to said mirror.
26. The electrochromic mirror according to claim 1, where said layer of transparent conductive material disposed on said rear surface of said front element is a multi-layer stack having a first layer with a high refractive index, a second layer with a low refractive index and a third layer with a high refractive index.
27. The electrochromic mirror according to claim 26, where said first layer comprises ITO and has a thickness between about 200 angstroms and about 400 angstroms, said second layer comprises SiO sub 2 and has a thickness of between about 200 angstroms and about 400 angstroms, and said third layer comprises ITO and has a thickness of about 1500 angstroms.
28. A color matched inside/outside mirror system, comprising:
a first electrochromic mirror according to claim 1, said first minor adapted to be installed on the outside of a motor vehicle, where said layer of transparent conductive material disposed on said rear surface of said front element is color neutral;
a second electrochromic mirror adapted to be installed on the inside of a motor vehicle comprising:
front and rear spaced elements, each having front and rear surfaces;
a layer of color-neutral transparent conductive material disposed on said rear surface of said front element;
a reflector disposed on one side of said rear element provided that, if said reflector is on said rear surface of said rear element, then said front surface of said rear element contains a layer of transparent conductive material; and a perimeter sealing member bonding together said front and rear spaced elements in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber therebetween, where said chamber contains at least one electrochromic material;
where said reflector is effective to reflect light through said chamber and said front element when said light reaches said reflector after passing through said front element and said chamber.
a first electrochromic mirror according to claim 1, said first minor adapted to be installed on the outside of a motor vehicle, where said layer of transparent conductive material disposed on said rear surface of said front element is color neutral;
a second electrochromic mirror adapted to be installed on the inside of a motor vehicle comprising:
front and rear spaced elements, each having front and rear surfaces;
a layer of color-neutral transparent conductive material disposed on said rear surface of said front element;
a reflector disposed on one side of said rear element provided that, if said reflector is on said rear surface of said rear element, then said front surface of said rear element contains a layer of transparent conductive material; and a perimeter sealing member bonding together said front and rear spaced elements in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber therebetween, where said chamber contains at least one electrochromic material;
where said reflector is effective to reflect light through said chamber and said front element when said light reaches said reflector after passing through said front element and said chamber.
29. The color matched mirror system according to claim 28, where said transparent conductive material disposed on said rear surface of said front element of said second electrochromic mirror is applied at atmospheric pressure via chemical vapor deposition.
30. The color matched minor system according to claim 28, where said layer of transparent conductive material on said first mirror is a multi-layer stack having a first layer with a high refractive index, a second layer with a low refractive index and a third layer with a high refractive index.
31. The color matched mirror system according to claim 30, where said first layer comprises ITO and has a thickness between about 200 angstroms and about 400 angstroms, said second layer comprises SiO2 and has a thickness of between about 200 angstroms and about 400 angstroms, and said third layer comprises ITO and has a thickness of about 1500 angstroms.
32. The color matched minor system according to claim 29, where said layer of transparent conductive material disposed on said second mirror is deposited on a glass manufacturing float-line.
33. The color matched mirror system according to claim 29, where said layer of transparent conductive material disposed on said second minor is fluorine-doped tin oxide.
34. A color matched inside/outside mirror system comprising:
a first electrochromic mirror adapted to be installed on the outside of a motor vehicle, comprising:
front and rear spaced elements, each having front and rear surfaces and each being bent;
a layer of color-neutral transparent conductive material disposed on said rear surface of said front element;
a reflector disposed on one side of said rear element provided that, if said reflector is on said rear surface of said rear element, then said front surface of said rear element contains a layer of a transparent conductive material;
a perimeter sealing member bonding together said front and rear spaced elements in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber therebetween, where said chamber contains at least one electrochromic material;
where said reflector is effective to reflect light through said chamber and said front element when said light reaches said reflector after passing through said front element and said chamber; and a first electrochromic mirror adapted to be installed on the inside of a motor vehicle, comprising:
front and rear spaced elements, each having front and rear surfaces;
a layer of color-neutral transparent conductive material disposed on said rear surface of said front element;
a reflector disposed on one side of said rear element provided that, if said reflector is on said rear surface of said rear element, then said front surface of said rear element contains a layer of transparent conductive material; and a perimeter sealing member bonding together said front and rear spaced elements in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber therebetween, where said chamber contains at least one electrochromic material;
where said reflector is effective to reflect light through said chamber and said front element when said light reaches said reflector after passing through said front element and said chamber;
where said first and second electrochromic mirrors are color-matched
a first electrochromic mirror adapted to be installed on the outside of a motor vehicle, comprising:
front and rear spaced elements, each having front and rear surfaces and each being bent;
a layer of color-neutral transparent conductive material disposed on said rear surface of said front element;
a reflector disposed on one side of said rear element provided that, if said reflector is on said rear surface of said rear element, then said front surface of said rear element contains a layer of a transparent conductive material;
a perimeter sealing member bonding together said front and rear spaced elements in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber therebetween, where said chamber contains at least one electrochromic material;
where said reflector is effective to reflect light through said chamber and said front element when said light reaches said reflector after passing through said front element and said chamber; and a first electrochromic mirror adapted to be installed on the inside of a motor vehicle, comprising:
front and rear spaced elements, each having front and rear surfaces;
a layer of color-neutral transparent conductive material disposed on said rear surface of said front element;
a reflector disposed on one side of said rear element provided that, if said reflector is on said rear surface of said rear element, then said front surface of said rear element contains a layer of transparent conductive material; and a perimeter sealing member bonding together said front and rear spaced elements in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber therebetween, where said chamber contains at least one electrochromic material;
where said reflector is effective to reflect light through said chamber and said front element when said light reaches said reflector after passing through said front element and said chamber;
where said first and second electrochromic mirrors are color-matched
35. The color matched mirror system according to claim 34, where said layer of transparent conductive material disposed on said first mirror is a multi-layer stack having a first layer with a high refractive index, a second layer with a low refractive index and a third layer with a high refractive index.
36. The color matched minor system according to claim 35, where said first layer comprises ITO and has a thickness between about 200 angstroms and about 400 angstroms, said second layer comprises SiO2 and has a thickness of between about 200 angstroms and about 400 angstroms, and said third layer comprises ITO and has a thickness of about 1500 angstroms.
37. The color matched mirror system according to claim 35, where said layer of transparent conductive material disposed on said second mirror is deposited on a glass manufacturing float-line.
38. The color matched mirror system according to claim 37, where said layer of transparent conductive material disposed on said second mirror is fluorine-doped tin oxide.
39. An electrochromic variable reflectance mirror for motor vehicles, comprising:
bent front and rear spaced elements, each having front and rear surfaces, a layer of transparent conductive material disposed on said rear surface of said front element, a reflector disposed on said front side of said rear element, and a perimeter sealing member bonding together said front and rear spaced elements in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber therebetween, where said chamber contains a free-standing gel comprising a solvent and a crosslinked polymer matrix, and where said chamber further contains at least one electrochromic material in solution with said solvent and, as part of said solution, interspersed in said crosslinked polymer matrix, and where said polymer matrix cooperatively interacts with said front and rear elements, and where said reflector material is effective to reflect light through said chamber and said front element when said light reaches said reflector after passing through said front element and said chamber.
bent front and rear spaced elements, each having front and rear surfaces, a layer of transparent conductive material disposed on said rear surface of said front element, a reflector disposed on said front side of said rear element, and a perimeter sealing member bonding together said front and rear spaced elements in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber therebetween, where said chamber contains a free-standing gel comprising a solvent and a crosslinked polymer matrix, and where said chamber further contains at least one electrochromic material in solution with said solvent and, as part of said solution, interspersed in said crosslinked polymer matrix, and where said polymer matrix cooperatively interacts with said front and rear elements, and where said reflector material is effective to reflect light through said chamber and said front element when said light reaches said reflector after passing through said front element and said chamber.
40. The electrochromic mirror of claim 39, where said front and rear spaced elements are bent to a convex shape.
41. The electrochromic mirror of claim 39, where said front and rear spaced elements are bent to an aspheric shape.
42. An electrochromic variable reflectance minor for motor vehicles, comprising:
front and rear spaced elements, each having front and rear surfaces;
a layer of transparent conductive material disposed on said rear surface of said front element;
a reflector disposed on one side of said rear element provided that, if said reflector is on said rear surface of said rear element, then said front surface of said rear element contains a layer of a transparent conductive material; and a perimeter sealing member bonding together said front and rear spaced elements in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber therebetween, where said chamber comprises at least one electrochromic material;
where said variable reflectance mirror has a first mode horizontal frequency of greater than about 45 Hertz.
front and rear spaced elements, each having front and rear surfaces;
a layer of transparent conductive material disposed on said rear surface of said front element;
a reflector disposed on one side of said rear element provided that, if said reflector is on said rear surface of said rear element, then said front surface of said rear element contains a layer of a transparent conductive material; and a perimeter sealing member bonding together said front and rear spaced elements in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber therebetween, where said chamber comprises at least one electrochromic material;
where said variable reflectance mirror has a first mode horizontal frequency of greater than about 45 Hertz.
43. The electrochromic mirror of claim 42, where said first mode of horizontal frequency is greater than about 55 Hertz.
44. The electrochromic mirror of claim 42, where said first mode of horizontal frequency is greater than about 60 Hertz.
45. An electrochromic device, comprising:
front and rear spaced elements, each having front and rear surfaces and each having a thickness ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm;
a layer of transparent conductive material associated with at least one of said front and rear spaced elements;
a perimeter sealing member bonding together said front and rear spaced elements in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber therebetween; and an electrochromic medium contained within said chamber comprising a free-standing gel, wherein the free-standing gel includes a solvent, a crosslinked polymer matrix, and an electrochromic material.
front and rear spaced elements, each having front and rear surfaces and each having a thickness ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm;
a layer of transparent conductive material associated with at least one of said front and rear spaced elements;
a perimeter sealing member bonding together said front and rear spaced elements in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber therebetween; and an electrochromic medium contained within said chamber comprising a free-standing gel, wherein the free-standing gel includes a solvent, a crosslinked polymer matrix, and an electrochromic material.
46. The electrochromic device according to claim 45, wherein said electrochromic material is in solution with said solvent and, as part of said solution, interspersed in said crosslinked polymer matrix.
47. The electrochromic device according of claim 45, wherein said front and rear spaced elements each have a thickness ranging from about 0.8 mm to about 1.2 mm.
48. The electrochromic device according to claim 45, wherein said front and rear spaced elements each have a thickness of about 1.0 mm.
49. The electrochromic device according to claim 45, wherein said polymer matrix results from crosslinking polymer chains and where said polymer chains are formed by polymerizing at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of; methyl methacrylate;
methyl acrylate;
2-isocyanatoethyl methacrylate; 2-isocyanatoethyl acrylate; 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate;
2-hydroxyethyl acrylate; 3-hydroxypropyl methacrylate; vinyl ether n-butyl methyl methacrylate;
tetraethylene glycol vinyl ether; glycidyl methacrylate; 4-vinylphenol;
acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate and acetoacetoxyethyl acrylate.
methyl acrylate;
2-isocyanatoethyl methacrylate; 2-isocyanatoethyl acrylate; 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate;
2-hydroxyethyl acrylate; 3-hydroxypropyl methacrylate; vinyl ether n-butyl methyl methacrylate;
tetraethylene glycol vinyl ether; glycidyl methacrylate; 4-vinylphenol;
acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate and acetoacetoxyethyl acrylate.
50. The electrochromic device according to claim 49, wherein said polymer chains are cross-linked by reaction with a compound having a functional group selected from the group consisting of aromatic and aliphatic hydroxyl; aromatic and aliphatic cyanato;
aromatic and aliphatic isocyanato; aliphatic and aromatic isothiocyanato, with a functionality of at least 2.
aromatic and aliphatic isocyanato; aliphatic and aromatic isothiocyanato, with a functionality of at least 2.
51. The electrochromic device according to claim 49, wherein said polymer chains results from the polymerization of at least two distinct monomers.
52. The electrochromic device according to claim 49, wherein said at least two monomers are selected from the group consisting of: methyl methacrylate; methyl acrylate; 2-isocyanatoethyl methacrylate; 2-isocyanatoethyl acrylate; 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate; 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate;
3-hydroxypropyl methacrylate; vinyl ether n-butyl methyl methacrylate;
tetraethylene glycol divinyl ether; glycidyl methacrylate; 4-vinylphenol; acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate and acetoacetoxyethyl acrylate.
3-hydroxypropyl methacrylate; vinyl ether n-butyl methyl methacrylate;
tetraethylene glycol divinyl ether; glycidyl methacrylate; 4-vinylphenol; acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate and acetoacetoxyethyl acrylate.
53. The electrochromic device according to claim 52, wherein said at least two monomers are selected from the group consisting of: methyl methacrylate; 2-isocyanatoethyl methacrylate;
2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate; and glycidyl methacrylate.
2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate; and glycidyl methacrylate.
54. The electrochromic device according to claim 53, wherein said at least two monomers comprise isocyanatoethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate.
55. The electrochromic device according to claim 54, wherein the ratio of isocyanatoethyl methacrylate to methyl methacrylate ranges from about 1:3 to about 1:50.
56. The electrochromic device according to claim 55, wherein the ratio of isocyanatoethyl methacrylate to methyl methacrylate is about 1:20.
57. The electrochromic device according to claim 55, wherein said polymer chains formed from at least isocyanatoethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate are crosslinked by a compound having a functional group containing more than one active hydrogen.
58. The electrochromic device according to claim 53, wherein said at least two monomers comprise 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate.
59. The electrochromic device according to claim 58, wherein the ratio of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate to methyl methacrylate is about 1:10.
60. The electrochromic device according to claim 58, wherein said polymer chains formed from at least 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate are crosslinked by a compound having more than one functional group that will react with an active hydrogen.
61. The electrochromic device according to claim 45, wherein said polymer matrix is formed from at least two distinct polymer chains, each of said at least two distinct polymer chains comprise at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of methyl methacrylate and methyl acrylate polymerized with at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of 2-isocyanatoethyl methacrylate; 2-isocyanatoethyl acrylate; 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate;
2-hydroxyethyl acrylate; 3-hydroxypropyl methacrylate; glycidyl methacrylate;
4-vinylphenol;
acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate; vinyl ether n-butyl methyl methacrylate and acetoacetoxyethyl acrylate, where said first and second polymer chains may be the same or different.
2-hydroxyethyl acrylate; 3-hydroxypropyl methacrylate; glycidyl methacrylate;
4-vinylphenol;
acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate; vinyl ether n-butyl methyl methacrylate and acetoacetoxyethyl acrylate, where said first and second polymer chains may be the same or different.
62. The electrochromic device according to claim 61, wherein said first of said at least two polymer chains comprises a copolymer of isocyanatoethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate and where said second of said at least two polymer chains comprises a copolymer of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate.
63. The electrochromic device according to claim 62, wherein the ratio of isocyanatoethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate ranges from about 1:3 to about 1:50 and where the ratio of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate ranges from about 1:3 to about 1:50.
64. The electrochromic device according to claim 45, wherein said cooperative interaction between said free standing gel and said front and rear elements makes said device resistant to bending and breaking.
65. The electrochromic device according to claim 45, wherein comprising polymeric beads disposed within said chamber.
66. The electrochromic device according to claim 65, wherein said beads comprise a material that will dissolve within an electrochromic device at ambient or near-ambient temperatures within about 24 hours.
67. The electrochromic device according to claim 66, wherein said beads comprise a copolymer selected from the group consisting of: MMA/methacrylic acid, MMA/ethylacrylate, MMA/n-butylacrylate, and poly(propylene carbonate).
68. The electrochromic device according to claim 66, wherein said beads do not impart any refractive imperfections to said device.
69. An electrochromic device, comprising:
non-planar front and rear spaced elements, each having front and rear surfaces;
a layer of transparent conductive material associated with least one of said front and rear spaced elements;
a reflector disposed on one side of said rear element provided that, if said reflector is on said rear surface of said rear element, then said front surface of said rear element contains a layer of a transparent conductive material;
a perimeter sealing member bonding together said front and rear spaced elements in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber therebetween; and an electrochromic medium contained within said chamber comprising a free-standing gel, wherein the free-standing gel includes a solvent, a crosslinked polymer matrix, and an electrochromic material.
non-planar front and rear spaced elements, each having front and rear surfaces;
a layer of transparent conductive material associated with least one of said front and rear spaced elements;
a reflector disposed on one side of said rear element provided that, if said reflector is on said rear surface of said rear element, then said front surface of said rear element contains a layer of a transparent conductive material;
a perimeter sealing member bonding together said front and rear spaced elements in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber therebetween; and an electrochromic medium contained within said chamber comprising a free-standing gel, wherein the free-standing gel includes a solvent, a crosslinked polymer matrix, and an electrochromic material.
70. The electrochromic device according to claim 69, wherein said electrochromic material is in solution with said solvent and, as part of said solution, interspersed in said crosslinked polymer matrix.
71. The electrochromic device of claim 69, where said front and rear spaced elements each have a thickness ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm.
72. The electrochromic device according of claim 69, wherein said front and rear spaced elements each have a thickness ranging from about 0.8 mm to about 1.2 mm.
73. The electrochromic device according to claim 69, wherein said front and rear spaced elements each have a thickness of about 1.0 mm.
74. The electrochromic device according to claim 69, wherein said polymer matrix results from crosslinking polymer chains and where said polymer chains are formed by polymerizing at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of: methyl methacrylate;
methyl acrylate;
2-isocyanatoethyl methacrylate; 2-isocyanatoethyl acrylate; 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate;
2-hydroxyethyl acrylate; 3-hydroxypropyl methacrylate; vinyl ether n-butyl methyl methacrylate;
tetraethylene glycol vinyl ether; glycidyl methacrylate; 4-vinylphenol;
acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate and acetoacetoxyethyl acrylate.
methyl acrylate;
2-isocyanatoethyl methacrylate; 2-isocyanatoethyl acrylate; 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate;
2-hydroxyethyl acrylate; 3-hydroxypropyl methacrylate; vinyl ether n-butyl methyl methacrylate;
tetraethylene glycol vinyl ether; glycidyl methacrylate; 4-vinylphenol;
acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate and acetoacetoxyethyl acrylate.
75. The electrochromic device according to claim 74, wherein said polymer chains are cross-linked by reaction with a compound having a functional group selected from the group consisting of aromatic and aliphatic hydroxyl; aromatic and aliphatic cyanato;
aromatic and aliphatic isocyanato; aliphatic and aromatic isothiocyanato, with a functionality of at least 2.
aromatic and aliphatic isocyanato; aliphatic and aromatic isothiocyanato, with a functionality of at least 2.
76. The electrochromic device according to claim 74, wherein said polymer chains results from the polymerization of at least two distinct monomers.
77. The electrochromic device according to claim 174, wherein said at least two monomers are selected from the group consisting of: methyl methacrylate; methyl acrylate; 2-isocyanatoethyl methacrylate; 2-isocyanatoethyl acrylate; 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate; 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate;
3-hydroxypropyl methacrylate; vinyl ether n-butyl methyl methacrylate;
tetraethylene glycol divinyl ether; glycidyl methacrylate; 4-vinylphenol; acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate and acetoacetoxyethyl acrylate.
3-hydroxypropyl methacrylate; vinyl ether n-butyl methyl methacrylate;
tetraethylene glycol divinyl ether; glycidyl methacrylate; 4-vinylphenol; acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate and acetoacetoxyethyl acrylate.
78. The electrochromic device according to claim 77, wherein said at least two monomers are selected from the group consisting of: methyl methacrylate; 2-isocyanatoethyl methacrylate;
2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate; and glycidyl methacrylate.
2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate; and glycidyl methacrylate.
79. The electrochromic device according to claim 78, wherein said at least two monomers comprise 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate.
80. The electrochromic device according to claim 79, wherein the ratio of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate to methyl methacrylate is about 1:10.
81. The electrochromic device according to claim 79, wherein said polymer chains formed from at least 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate are crosslinked by a compound having more than one functional group that will react with an active hydrogen.
82. The electrochromic device according to claim 78, wherein said at least two monomers comprise isocyanatoethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate.
83. The electrochromic device according to claim 82, wherein the ratio of isocyanatoethyl methacrylate to methyl methacrylate ranges from about 1:3 to about 1:50.
84. The electrochromic device according to claim 83, wherein the ratio of isocyanatoethyl methacrylate to methyl methacrylate is about 1:20.
85. The electrochromic device according to claim 83, wherein said polymer chains formed from at least isocyanatoethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate are crosslinked by a compound having a functional group containing more than one active hydrogen.
86. The electrochromic device according to claim 74, wherein said polymer matrix is formed from at least two distinct polymer chains, each of said at least two distinct polymer chains comprise at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of methyl methacrylate and methyl acrylate polymerized with at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of 2-isocyanatoethyl methacrylate; 2-isocyanatoethyl acrylate; 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate;
2-hydroxyethyl acrylate; 3-hydroxypropyl methacrylate; glycidyl methacrylate;
4-vinylphenol;
acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate; vinyl ether n-butyl methyl methacrylate and acetoacetoxyethyl acrylate, where said first and second polymer chains may be the same or different.
2-hydroxyethyl acrylate; 3-hydroxypropyl methacrylate; glycidyl methacrylate;
4-vinylphenol;
acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate; vinyl ether n-butyl methyl methacrylate and acetoacetoxyethyl acrylate, where said first and second polymer chains may be the same or different.
87. The electrochromic device according to claim 86, wherein said first of said at least two polymer chains comprises a copolymer of isocyanatoethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate and where said second of said at least two polymer chains comprises a copolymer of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate.
88. The electrochromic device according to claim 87, wherein the ratio of isocyanatoethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate ranges from about 1:3 to about 1:50 and where the ratio of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate ranges from about 1:3 to about 1:50.
89. The electrochromic device according to claim 69, wherein said cooperative interaction between said free standing gel and said front and rear elements makes said device resistant to bending and breaking.
90. The electrochromic device according to claim 69, wherein comprising polymeric beads disposed within said chamber.
91. The electrochromic device according to claim 90, wherein said beads comprise a material that will dissolve within an electrochromic device at ambient or near-ambient temperatures within about 24 hours.
92. The electrochromic device according to claim 91, wherein said beads comprise a copolymer selected from the group consisting of: MMA/methacrylic acid, MMA/ethylacrylate, MMA/n-butylacrylate, and poly(propylene carbonate).
93. The electrochromic device according to claim 91, wherein said beads do not impart any refractive imperfections to said device.
94. An electrochromic device, comprising:
non-planar front and rear spaced elements, each having front and rear surfaces;
a layer of transparent conductive material associated with at least one of said front and rear spaced elements;
a perimeter sealing member bonding together said front and rear spaced elements in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber therebetween; and an electrochromic medium contained within said chamber comprising a free-standing gel, wherein the free-standing gel includes a solvent, a crosslinked polymer matrix, and an electrochromic material.
non-planar front and rear spaced elements, each having front and rear surfaces;
a layer of transparent conductive material associated with at least one of said front and rear spaced elements;
a perimeter sealing member bonding together said front and rear spaced elements in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber therebetween; and an electrochromic medium contained within said chamber comprising a free-standing gel, wherein the free-standing gel includes a solvent, a crosslinked polymer matrix, and an electrochromic material.
95. An electrochromic device, comprising:
front and rear spaced elements, each having front and rear surfaces;
a layer of transparent conductive material associated with at least one of said front and rear spaced elements;
a perimeter sealing member bonding together said front and rear spaced elements in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber therebetween;
an electrochromic medium contained within said chamber comprising a free-standing gel, wherein the free-standing gel includes a solvent, a crosslinked polymer matrix, and an electrochromic material: and means cooperatively associated with the front and rear spaced elements and the electrochromic medium for increasing pressure point resistance of the electrochromic device greater than approximately 167 pounds.
front and rear spaced elements, each having front and rear surfaces;
a layer of transparent conductive material associated with at least one of said front and rear spaced elements;
a perimeter sealing member bonding together said front and rear spaced elements in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber therebetween;
an electrochromic medium contained within said chamber comprising a free-standing gel, wherein the free-standing gel includes a solvent, a crosslinked polymer matrix, and an electrochromic material: and means cooperatively associated with the front and rear spaced elements and the electrochromic medium for increasing pressure point resistance of the electrochromic device greater than approximately 167 pounds.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/834,783 US5940201A (en) | 1997-04-02 | 1997-04-02 | Electrochromic mirror with two thin glass elements and a gelled electrochromic medium |
| US834,783 | 1997-04-02 | ||
| CA002284539A CA2284539C (en) | 1997-04-02 | 1998-03-26 | An electrochromic mirror with two thin glass elements and a gelled electrochromic medium |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002284539A Division CA2284539C (en) | 1997-04-02 | 1998-03-26 | An electrochromic mirror with two thin glass elements and a gelled electrochromic medium |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2525667A1 true CA2525667A1 (en) | 1998-10-08 |
| CA2525667C CA2525667C (en) | 2009-11-24 |
Family
ID=35767577
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002525667A Expired - Lifetime CA2525667C (en) | 1997-04-02 | 1998-03-26 | An electrochromic mirror with two thin glass elements and a gelled electrochromic medium |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2525667C (en) |
-
1998
- 1998-03-26 CA CA002525667A patent/CA2525667C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2525667C (en) | 2009-11-24 |
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